The Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call Made a Bold First Impression
The Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call is a compact, small-reed call designed to replicate the high-pitched sounds of a cow elk fight. Manufactured by Hunters Specialties, it boasts a natural walnut/maple construction, promising both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. I was intrigued by its purported ability to cut through the noise and chaos of the elk rut, a crucial aspect for any serious elk hunter.
For years, I’ve relied on diaphragm calls, but they can be finicky in cold weather, and sometimes I need both hands free. I’ve been searching for a compact, reliable alternative that offers a different sound profile to complement my existing calls. This call piqued my interest with its unique “fight’n” sound intended to draw in curious bulls during peak rutting activity.
Upon unboxing, the call immediately impressed me with its solid feel and the natural beauty of the wood. The walnut and maple blend provides a visually appealing and surprisingly robust build, despite its small size. It felt substantial in my hand, conveying a sense of quality that belied its modest price of $6.99.
I’ve used similar open-reed calls before, such as the Primos Hyper Lip Single and the Elk Nut Outdoors Bugler. The Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call appeared smaller and more streamlined than the Primos. It was also seemingly built of better materials than the plastic Bugler. I chose this call specifically because I was looking for a more compact and specialized sound that could mimic the distinct sounds of fighting cows.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked and felt like a well-made product, and I was eager to see if it could deliver on its promise of replicating the aggressive vocalizations of fighting cow elk. Only time in the field would truly tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call came during the early archery season in the high country of Colorado. I specifically targeted areas known for high elk concentrations and active rutting behavior. The terrain was varied, ranging from dense timber to open meadows.
The call performed admirably in diverse conditions. Early morning dew and occasional light rain didn’t seem to affect its sound quality. It was relatively easy to use, although it did require a bit of practice to master the specific “fight’n” sound. Initially, I struggled to consistently produce the intended high-pitched, aggressive tones.
The call’s unique sound produced a distinct response the first time I used it on a herd. A smaller satellite bull charged in expecting an easy victory. It circled downwind before realizing his mistake, but, the important point is, the call worked.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use throughout the archery and early rifle seasons, the Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the wooden barrel. The reed remains intact and functional.
Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward. I simply wipe the call down with a dry cloth after each use and store it in a small, protective case. This routine helps prevent moisture buildup and ensures the reed remains in optimal condition.
Compared to my diaphragm calls, the Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call offers greater consistency in varied weather. Unlike the latex in diaphragm calls, the reed material here is less susceptible to temperature fluctuations. It has outperformed my expectations in terms of durability and ease of use, making it a valuable addition to my elk hunting arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call
Specifications
The Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call features a compact design built around a small-reed mechanism. The call body is constructed from a combination of natural walnut and maple wood. This gives it a natural resonance and contributes to the call’s authentic sound.
Its key specifications include:
- Material: Natural Walnut/Maple
- Type: Open Reed Mouth Call
- Sound: High-pitched cow elk fight vocalizations
- Purpose: Attracting bulls during the rut
- Size: Compact, pocket-sized design
These specifications are important because they directly influence the call’s performance and user experience. The wood construction contributes to the call’s natural tone, while the small-reed design facilitates the production of high-pitched sounds. The compact size makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call excels at producing the specific sounds it’s designed for. Its ability to mimic the high-pitched, aggressive vocalizations of fighting cow elk is its greatest strength. With practice, a hunter can create convincing and enticing calls that pique the curiosity of nearby bulls.
However, the call’s narrow focus can also be a limitation. It is not particularly versatile and cannot easily replicate other common elk sounds, such as bugles or calf mews. The call meets expectations for producing its intended sound, but it requires a skilled user to fully realize its potential.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call benefits from a simple, yet effective, design. The wood construction feels solid and comfortable in hand, while the compact size makes it easy to carry and deploy quickly. It has a very short learning curve, especially for experienced elk hunters familiar with open-reed calls.
Durability & Maintenance
The combination of walnut and maple wood contributes to the Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call overall durability. With proper care, it should last for several seasons of hunting. Regular cleaning and proper storage are essential for maintaining its optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call is a standalone product and does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as the call is designed for a specific purpose and sound profile. It’s most often sold alongside various carrying lanyards or containers, but these are after-market items. The call is compatible with most standard lanyards designed for holding calls.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call
Pros
- Produces authentic, high-pitched cow elk fight vocalizations.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy carry.
- Durable walnut/maple construction.
- Affordable price point.
- Relatively easy to learn and use.
Cons
- Limited versatility; not suitable for replicating other elk sounds.
- Requires practice to master the “fight’n” sound effectively.
- Might be difficult to create subtle sounds.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call?
This call is perfect for experienced elk hunters who are looking to add a specialized sound to their calling repertoire. It is especially useful for hunters targeting areas with high elk densities and active rutting behavior. Those who want a compact and durable call that can withstand the rigors of backcountry hunting will also appreciate this product.
Hunters who are new to elk hunting or who prefer a single, versatile call that can produce a wide range of sounds should skip this product. Those who struggle with open-reed calls may also find this call challenging to use effectively.
A must-have accessory would be a lanyard to keep the call readily accessible while keeping your hands free.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call
The Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call is a specialized tool that excels at replicating the aggressive sounds of fighting cow elk. Its compact design, durable construction, and affordable price make it a worthwhile addition to any serious elk hunter’s arsenal. While it may not be the most versatile call on the market, its ability to draw in curious bulls during the rut is undeniable.
At $6.99, the price is more than justified for what this specialized call offers. I would definitely recommend the Hunters Specialties Fight’N Cow Elk Cow Natural Walnut/Maple Mouth Call to experienced elk hunters who are looking to add a unique and effective sound to their calling strategy. Give it a try and you just might find the call that brings that bull to within bow range!